Your Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Guide

You are 30 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

You may be noticing some swelling of your ankles and legs. Between 40 and 75 percent of pregnant women will develop mild edema. It's most common in late pregnancy, particularly on hot days, or if you've been on your feet a lot. While mild swelling is normal, it's important to call your practitioner if your hands or face begin to swell, if swelling lasts more than 24 hours or if it's accompanied by a rapid weight gain or a rise in your blood pressure -- possible signs of preeclampsia. Your doctor or midwife will check your blood pressure, note the degree of swelling present and will probably decide to run a quick test to see if there is protein in your urine. Preeclampsia affects approximately 5 to 10 percent of pregnant women. Some studies indicate that proper nutrition can reduce your chances of developing this condition.

I've started having some swelling in my left foot and ankle (not the right though....weird I know). I've also had to stop wearing my wedding rings. I can get them on just fine in the morning, but forget about getting them off by the end of the day! I think the swelling for me has more to do with it being so hot outside then anything else. When the weather is cooler I seem to not have an issue. Also, my blood pressure has been perfect so far this pregnancy (108/70).

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby weighs three pounds and measures 14 inches from head to toe. Your baby's eyes may now be wide open. He or she may even have hair!

At this point I really wish my doctor offered 3D ultrasounds. I've seen a few of them and at this stage of the pregnancy if you can get a 3D one done, you pretty much know exactly what your baby will look like. They are so detailed....it's quite amazing!

EATING FOR TWO

In Scandinavia, the average birth weight is eight pounds. In the United States, it's seven to seven-and-a-half pounds. The reason for the lower birth weight among American newborns has been attributed to poor maternal nutrition. Because larger babies are easier to care for, and considerably healthier than underweight babies (defined as five-and-a-half pounds or less), it's important to maintain healthy eating habits. Brain growth and development are rapid now, so a nutritionally sound diet is vital.

FACT OF THE WEEK

What can you expect during labor? There are four stages to the childbirth process:

First Stage: Effacement and dilation: On average, this lasts 12 to 13 hours for first child and seven to eight hours for the second. There are three parts to this first stage of labor:

• Early labor (up to four centimeters dilation): Spend this time at home, resting if possible.
• Active labor (four to seven centimeters dilation): You will know you are in active labor when you have to stop and concentrate on a contraction. Head to the hospital or birth center at this time.
• Transition (seven to ten centimeters dilation): Dilation occurs rapidly and can be quite intense. This can be a time of great vulnerability for the birthing woman and it is likely that she will need the constant support of her labor partner.

Second Stage:Your baby is moving through the birth canal. This stage ends with the welcome sound of your newborn's cries!

Third stage: Contractions continue and the placenta is expelled, usually within 15 minutes or so following the birth.

Fourth stage: Recovery. Feelings range from exhaustion to exhilaration!